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Chicago Blackhawks chairman Rocky Wirtz needs to be removedTodd Welteron February 4, 2022 at 10:30 pm

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Photo by Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images

Chicago Blackhawks chairman Rocky Wirtz took questions for the first time since the Kyle Beach scandal concluded.

Instead of issuing another heartfelt apology and discussing how the Chicago Blackhawks are committed to making sure what happened to Kyle Beach never happens again, Wirtz berated not one, but two reporters for asking a legitimate question.

All the Athletic’s Mark Lazerus and the Chicago Tribune’s Phillip Thompson were asking during the Chicago Blackhawks town hall was what the team is doing to empower players in the future if a situation like what happened to Kyle Beach happens again.

Wirtz threw a temper tantrum of epic proportions…

Here’s the full segment/video. Just ridiculous from Rocky Wirtz. pic.twitter.com/9k9QxKW0gI

— Wally Maz (@WallMaz35) February 3, 2022

And now he goes after @_phil_thompson. Absolutely insane from Rocky Wirtz. Smh. pic.twitter.com/dMHYOHUbkQ

— Wally Maz (@WallMaz35) February 3, 2022

Imagine the response Wirtz would have given if he had been asked was he aware of what happened to Beach.

Wirtz later issued an apology for his childish outburst.

Rocky Wirtz apologizes in a statement for having “crossed the line.” pic.twitter.com/83ZdwOmcBj

— Mark Lazerus (@MarkLazerus) February 3, 2022

His apology came across as generic and did not acknowledge Kyle Beach. It seems more like he is trying to fix the public relations nightmare he created rather than being truly sorry.

Wirtz did apologize personally to Thompson and Lazerus-in a forwarded email.

For the record, he did the same with me. https://t.co/a1wLvdHwbU

— Mark Lazerus (@MarkLazerus) February 3, 2022

Rocky could not take the time to find the pressbox or request they stop by his box to give an in-person apology.

For the record, this was not some personal vendetta by Lazerus or Thompson. They were just doing their job, and they did it well. It was a fair question as many Blackhawks fans wrestle with whether to support this team or not.

Additionally, Rocky Wirtz had a chance to not marginalize sexual abuse victims. . Instead, he threw about 400 gallons of gas on the burn pile and then lit a match.

The fire is about to get bigger and hotter as there are more potential lawsuits to come surrounding former video coordinator, Brad Aldrich’s behavior.

A former Miami University student is among three potential plaintiffs weighing lawsuits against the Chicago Blackhawks, @rwesthead writes: https://t.co/j1SixM3xIj

Content Warning: The following article contains references to sexual assault. pic.twitter.com/HmKUvm2m8o

— TSN Hockey (@TSNHockey) February 3, 2022

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Chicago Blackhawks chairman Rocky Wirtz needs to be removedTodd Welteron February 4, 2022 at 10:30 pm Read More »

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NBA trade tracker: Grades, details for every deal for the 2021-22 seasonon February 4, 2022 at 8:14 pm


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NBA trade season is here!

With just days to go until the deadline (Feb. 10, 3 p.m. ET), and four trades already completed, the Los Angeles Clippers and Portland Trail Blazers have agreed to swap key wing players as both teams enter the second half of the season, sources tell ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.

Keep this page bookmarked: We’ll have a rundown of every trade ahead of the deadline, including grades from ESPN’s Kevin Pelton.

MORE: Big questions and draft capital for each NBA team | Potential deals for all 30 teams

Los Angeles Clippers get: Robert Covington, Norman Powell

Portland Trail Blazers get: Eric Bledsoe, Justise Winslow, Keon Johnson, future second-round pick

Boston Celtics get: P.J. Dozier, Bol Bol

Denver Nuggets get: Bryn Forbes

San Antonio Spurs get: Juancho Hernangomez
2028 second-round pick (via Denver)

Three-team trade sends Bryn Forbes to the Nuggets, Bol Bol to the Celtics

Editor’s note: The Denver Nuggets-Detroit Pistons trade has been voided due to a failed physical by Bol Bol, sources tell ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.

Detroit Pistons get:
Bol Bol

Denver Nuggets get:
Rodney McGruder
2022 second-round pick (via Brooklyn)

Pistons take low-risk chance on Bol

Oklahoma City Thunder get:
Miye Oni
2028 second-round pick

Utah Jazz get:
Cash considerations

Cleveland Cavaliers get:
Rajon Rondo

Los Angeles Lakers get:
Denzel Valentine

Trade grades: Can Rondo help the Cavs?

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NBA trade tracker: Grades, details for every deal for the 2021-22 seasonon February 4, 2022 at 8:14 pm Read More »

Where To Get Heart-Shaped Pizzas in ChicagoJulie Caion February 4, 2022 at 1:42 pm

This Valentine’s Day, book a romantic dinner, or actually, how about just eat your heart out? well, sort of. Whether you have a Valentine’s boo or it’s just you, pizza’s a deliciously cheesy way to celebrate the holiday. Remember, pizza’s always there for you and so are we! From national chains to local hotspots, here are our picks for where to get heart-shaped pizzas in Chicago for a cheesy, delicious, and hearty Valentine’s Day.

Multiple Locations

Show how deep your love is with heart-shaped deep dish pizzas. Giordano’s is a no brainer when it comes to a tried and true deep dish and they always come through on Valentine’s Day. Available in restaurants February 11-14 and shipping nationwide through the online store, you can enjoy cheese, pepperoni, sausage, or spinach heart-shaped pizzas with your loved ones.

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Each 10-inch frozen pizza serves two to three people. If you’re doing long distance, heart-shaped pizzas make an awesome and unique gift––you can Facetime and share some pizza together! Choose from two, four, or six-pizza packs with your choice of toppings for each pizza.

Image Credit: Bartoli’s

1955 W. Addison St. Chicago, IL 60613

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658 N. Ashland Ave. Chicago, IL 60622

Chicagoans can treat their sweetie to pizza this Valentine’s Day with heart-shaped pizza from Bartoli’s Pizzeria available all day on Monday, February 14. Bartoli’s in Roscoe Village and West Town will feature made-to-order heart-shaped pizzas available in tavern-style or their award-winning original deep dish. Available for pick-up or delivery, guests can call to order or visit www.bartolispizzeria.com.

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3463 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60657

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1615 N Damen Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

Dimo’s is a popular local late-night pizzeria known for their specialty pies, like s’mores, mac ‘n cheese, chicken ‘n waffles, and even one that has a Malört mole and shredded mozzarella base. Enjoy three different 12-inch heart-shaped pies this Valentine’s Day: the Vegan Mac, the Margherita, or the Banh Mi Baby One More Time.

The Vegan Mac has mac noodles with vegan mozzarella and cheddar on a vegan ranch base, topped with green onions. The Margherita is your classic––creamy burrata cheese and fresh basil on a marinara base, topped with olive oil. The specialty is the Banh Mi Baby One More Time, which has char siu-style bacon, pickled vegetables, sesame aioli, mint, cilantro, and sesame seeds all on a mozzarella and pâté cream base. 

Whichever pie you choose, pair it with Dimo’s sparkling rosé, Villa Zappi by Tenuta Casali.

1100 W. Thorndale Ave. Chicago, IL 60660

Rewired will offer seating in their “Love Shack”, an outdoor heated patio that is also dog and kid-friendly. For the month of February, the patio will be decked out with hearts, glitter, and other Valentine’s Day decor. Heart-shaped pizzas for take-out and delivery are subject to availability. Preorders are highly recommended and can be made through www.rewiredcafe.com beginning Tuesday, February 1.

1326 W Madison St, Chicago, IL 60607

1925 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60614

Come enjoy a thin crust heart-shaped pizza at Ranalli’s Lincoln Park and West Loop! Did we mention that even the pepperoni are heart-shaped too!? Pizzas are $12 each and you can pair it with skillet cookies for an extra $6. They’re also running a BOGO deal for National Pizza Day on February 9th.

Multiple Locations

Lou Malnati’s is another Chicago staple, famous for their saucy, cheesy, and loaded deep dish pizza. Heart-shaped pizzas are returning to Lou’s this Valentine’s Day for shipping or takeout from your local restaurant. If you’ve been dreaming of that dense cheesy goodness and buttery-crisp crust, but have no Lou’s in your area, get them shipped or send some to your Valentines. 

Choose from 9-inch heart-shaped sausage or cheese pizzas. You can order a 2-pack (one heart-shaped and one round) or a 4-pack (two heart-shaped and two round). Don’t forget about dessert c/o a 9-inch heart-shaped chocolate chip cookie! Order the pack that includes the pizza and cookie for a delicious meal. 

There’s also a Spreading Hearts pack, which includes one heart-shaped pizza, one heart-shaped cookie, and two tiny pewter hearts. Each purchase of the Spreading Hearts package means a pizza donated to a local Chicago-area food pantry!

800 N Dearborn St, Chicago, IL, 60610

864 N. State St, Chicago, IL, 60610

61 E. Madison St, Chicago, IL, 60603

2106 S. Indiana Ave, Chicago, IL, 60616

Pizano’s is a small local chain with Malnati roots, popular for its deep dish and thin crust pies and other Italian classics. Oprah once deemed Pizano’s as having the “best thin crust pizza in Chicago” and USA Today has also listed it as a top 10 in the nation. Pizano’s was founded by Rudy Malnati Jr., son of Rudy Malnati Sr., who opened Pizzeria Uno in 1942 and first brought deep dish pizza into the world and our bellies.

Order Pizano’s heart-shaped pizza in the comfort of your home and PJs. Available to ship is a Valentine’s Day Special 4-Pack, which includes four round pizzas and one free heart-shaped pizza. There’s also a 2-Pack that has one round and one heart-shaped.

938 W Webster Ave, Chicago, IL 60614

Enjoy a Galentine’s Day event at Homeslice February 13, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Heart-shaped pizzas, themed cocktails, and bottomless mimosas with your besties seem like the perfect way to spend a Sunday. Beadnik will also be there for permanent zap bracelets, which means they’re weld directly onto your wrist––no more clasps! Reservations are required to snag your spot for Galentine’s.

Featured Image Credit: Bartoli’s

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Where To Get Heart-Shaped Pizzas in ChicagoJulie Caion February 4, 2022 at 1:42 pm Read More »

Illinois Restaurant Association Rallies Industry and Announces Annual Award RecipientsXiao Faria daCunhaon February 4, 2022 at 7:19 pm

Yesterday the Illinois Restaurant Association (IRA) hosted its 2022 Annual Meeting at the Union League Club of Chicago. The afternoon included the installation of new members of the Association’s Board of Directors and Advisory Council, a keynote speech from Mayor Lori Lightfoot, as well as the organization’s annual awards presentation. At a time of critical importance for restaurants, remarks centered on the Association’s ongoing mission to protect, promote, educate, and advance the industry around the state. Joined by President & CEO Sam Toia, Sam Sanchez, CEO of Third Coast Hospitality,  who will enter his second year as Chairman of the Board, presided over the event.

“During this time of unparalleled change, Sam Sanchez has been a dedicated and passionate champion of our industry,” said Toia. “We look forward to his continued leadership in a year when we need it most.”

“It’s an honor to represent my colleagues for a second year as Chairman of the Board,” said Sanchez.  “There is a lot of work to do, but we will never tire in our work to ensure our members’ voices are heard at all levels of government, provide hundreds of grants to food service workers in need, and remind job seekers how our industry is one of endless opportunity.”

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Mayor Lori Lightfoot gave the keynote address. She spoke to attendees about the need for resilience and continued hope despite recent setbacks with the Omicron variant. She also commended the restaurant industry for taking steps to keep their diners and team members safe, and noted possible changes on the horizon for vaccination requirements for indoor dining in Chicago.

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“I am confident in the future of our restaurant industry,” remarked Lightfoot. “That’s because I believe in the IRA’s vision and can clearly see the tenacity of its members. We have faced innumerable challenges, but I could not ask for a better partner than the IRA to help ensure a strong recovery for the greatest restaurant city in the world.”

“As long as we continue to make progress with a downward trend in the City’s overall COVID-19 metrics, we will be able to lift the vaccination requirement for indoor dining in a matter of weeks,” said Lightfoot.

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Among many others, the IRA today identified ongoing efforts that include providing over $277,000 in IRA Educational Foundation Restaurant Employee Relief Fund grants to 550 foodservice workers in need, advocating for the replenishment of the Restaurant Recovery Fund (RRF), pressing state and local officials to use federal dollars to support restaurants and their employees, providing discounted training and certification classes, offering pro bono legal support to operators, and making over 10,000 calls for technical guidance through the Cook County Small Business Assistance Program.

The IRA also announced its annual award recipients:

Restaurateur of the Year was awarded to Steven Hartenstein, COO of Phil Stefani Signature Restaurants and Proprietor of Lucca Osteria.  Steven has excelled as a leading restaurateur for decades. Most recently, he weathered the pandemic to open Lucca Osteria to great fanfare in Oak Brook, Illinois. He is tireless in his advocacy for the industry and in his support for his fellow restaurateur.

Vendor of the Year was awarded to Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits. Terry Brick, Executive Vice President and General Manager, and Mike Evans, Director, Trader Relations & Government Affairs, accepted the award for the company’s longstanding support of the IRA, including their presenting sponsorship of Chicago Gourmet for more than a decade, recent lobbying efforts in Springfield alongside the IRA to make alcohol regulations more flexible, and donations to the IRA Educational Foundation Relief Fund and IRAEF Scholarship Program.

Empathy + Hope in 2020 – Helping People Get Back on Their Feet

Never before has a crisis hit small businesses quite as hard as the COVID-19 pandemic, and perhaps no industries have been hit harder than restaurants and hospitality. Since EMPLOYERS has been coming to the aid of workers and businesses facing adversity for more than 100 years, it made sense for us to take action.We’ve teamed up with our restaurant association partners across the country to help workers stay on their feet, creating restaurant relief funds that provide grants directly to hardworking restaurant employees during this uniquely challenging time.Watch this short film to see these inspiring stories of hope and overcoming adversity.

Posted by EMPLOYERS, America’s small business insurance specialist on Friday, December 4, 2020

Sara Rowe ProStart® Company of the Year was awarded to EMPLOYERS for going above and beyond to support the IRA Educational Foundation ProStart Program and its students. Wayne Hilston, Vice President Sales – Programs and Payroll Alliances, accepted the award. EMPLOYERS is a founding donor of the IRA Employee Relief Fund. The company also dedicated substantial contributions to the IRAEF Scholarship Program, which supported six students in their hospitality management education.

Pineapple Hospitality Award was awarded to Julia Momosé, Partner and Creative Director of Kumiko and Founder of Cocktails for Hope, for her work in helping to legalize “cocktails to go” across Illinois.  At a time when indoor service had been restricted severely, Julia overcame significant obstacles to change the state’s liquor laws to allow cocktails for takeout and delivery, thereby increasing restaurant and bar revenue at time when they needed it most.

Featured Image Credit: Illinois Restaurant Association

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Illinois Restaurant Association Rallies Industry and Announces Annual Award RecipientsXiao Faria daCunhaon February 4, 2022 at 7:19 pm Read More »

This Chicago Blackhawks GM rumor is absolutely disgustingVincent Pariseon February 4, 2022 at 2:00 pm

The Chicago Blackhawks made a move to help their GM search this week. It came out via Danny Wirtz that Patrick Sharp, Marian Hossa, and Ed Olczyck are going to help out with that search as advisors. A lot of people love these three and respect their opinion.

However, they don’t seem to be off to a good start. According to Darren Dreger on TSN Insider Trading, the Blackhawks are going to interview former NHL general manager Peter Chiarelli. That would be a complete disaster of a selection for this team at this stage.

Chiarelli failed backward into a Stanley Cup championship with the Boston Bruins and has otherwise been a lousy general manager in this league. He currently serves as the Vice President of Hockey Operations for the St. Louis Blues. In the past, he served as the general manager of the Edmonton Oilers and the aforementioned Boston Bruins.

In his career, he has made some terrible decisions that are still affecting teams today. His most notable mistake came in 2016 with the Edmonton Oilers when he traded Taylor Hall to the New Jersey Devils in exchange for Adam Larsson. Adam Larsson is a fine defenseman but Hall went on to win an MVP with New Jersey.

Before that with the Bruins, he traded Tyler Seguin away who really bloomed with the Dallas Stars. He returned some good players like Loui Eriksson, Reilly Smith, and two others but nobody was as impactful as Tyler Seguin.

Peter Chiarelli would be a very bad general manager hire for the Chicago Blackhawks.

These are just two examples of disastrous trades made by Chiarelli in his time as an NHL GM. This is not the kind of guy that you want coming in to replace Stan Bowman who was also known for doing the exact same thing. This organization needs a fresh new mind that can help them go forward, not backward.

This team needs a major overhaul. There are some good players there that can impact games but the future isn’t necessarily bright. There are some big decisions coming up soon with guys like Patrick Kane, Marc-Andre Fleury, Alex DeBrincat, and Jonathan Toews so a smart GM would be ideal. Hiring Peter Chiarelli would be a disaster.

Related Story:The Blackhawks don’t deserve Marc-Andre Fleury

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This Chicago Blackhawks GM rumor is absolutely disgustingVincent Pariseon February 4, 2022 at 2:00 pm Read More »

Rocky Wirtz’s standing with Chicago Blackhawks takes a big hitJames Mackeyon February 4, 2022 at 1:00 pm

On Wednesday night, Rocky Wirtz and the Chicago Blackhawks held a Town Hall for the media to ask questions to upper management regarding the state of the organization.

Tenured Chicagoan and Athletic Writer Mark Lazerus asked Danny Wirtz a question pertaining to the Kyle Beach investigation. He later posted the exchange’s transcription on Twitter.

Lazerus lead into his question by noting that the “power imbalance between coach and player and the powerlessness of the player” played a significant role in the situation. He also asked about future misconduct and how the Blackhawks will “empower a player in a similar situation”.

Rocky Wirtz promptly cut off Danny and did not provide him the ability to answer the question. Instead, he seemed enraged that Lazerus had asked a question about the single biggest and most important looming event that has happened within the organization in the past 15 years.

Here’s the full exchange between me and Rocky Wirtz.

I honestly thought it was kind of a softball question. pic.twitter.com/VeSUnuDnv5

— Mark Lazerus (@MarkLazerus) February 3, 2022

The comments made by Rocky Wirtz are not a good look for the Chicago Blackhawks.

Rocky jumping in and answering for Danny seems a little fishy. It almost feels as if the Hawks are hiding something major regarding the investigation and Rocky was afraid Danny would mention something the Blackhawks didn’t want to be publicized.

Danny began to answer the question but was promptly and abruptly cut off by his father. As if the situation wasn’t already in a horrible place, Rocky drove it farther into the dark and made a complete fool of himself whilst doing so.

The Blackhawks have become a joke in the NHL. What happened in 2010 as well as what the Hawks are doing actively overshadows any and all positives on the ice which is truly one of the great shames.

Wirtz should have answered the question because it would have improved the Hawks standing with fans and showed that they are actively attempting to thwart a possible sexual misconduct case. 2010 won’t be erased but they can try and move forward having learned from it.

In wake of what happened amidst Wednesday’s events, Wirtz’s fit in the Hawks front office has come into question. As time progresses, a close watch on his role within the organization could play a key role in future affairs with the NHL and the Blackhawks organization.

Related Story:The Chicago Blackhawks don’t deserve Marc-Andre Fleury

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Rocky Wirtz’s standing with Chicago Blackhawks takes a big hitJames Mackeyon February 4, 2022 at 1:00 pm Read More »

3 Chicago Bulls players who deserve a midseason awardRyan Heckmanon February 4, 2022 at 12:00 pm

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Chicago Bulls (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

What an incredible first half of the season. We’re now just a bit past the halfway point and the Chicago Bulls are still a first place team in the Eastern Conference.

Chicago basketball has come a long way in just one year, thanks to the effort from a brand-new front office who has taken an aggressive approach.

There are many reasons why the Bulls have taken such a leap this season, and maybe none more key to success than head coach Billy Donovan. Under his leadership, this team is completely bought into the system. He’s got their back, and they have his. It’s been a beautiful thing to witness.

Donovan looks to be gunning for an NBA Coach of the Year award this season, especially considering how well his team has done in the midst of several players out with injury woes. But, beyond a potential Coach of the Year award, the Bulls could see a few more honors handed out.

This Chicago Bulls team is special, and we could see multiple honors and awards handed out to these players at season’s end.

Though we still have another half a season to play, the Bulls look as though they could see a few players earn big-time honors. If the season ended today, the Bulls would absolutely be in the discussion for a few key awards.

Of course, Donovan should be in line for the prestigious coach’s award. But, beyond Donovan, the Bulls have many guys playing many roles — roles which could earn them a place in NBA history at the end of the season.

Above any All Star nomination or Rising Stars nod, the Bulls have some serious competitors who are changing Chicago basketball and impacting this team in a big way. Three specific guys are deserving of notable awards at this stage in the season.

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3 Chicago Bulls players who deserve a midseason awardRyan Heckmanon February 4, 2022 at 12:00 pm Read More »

When the Chicago Blackhawks shows you who they are, believe them

When the Chicago Blackhawks shows you who they are, believe them

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